The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) is a pentameric integral membrane protein with the subunit composition alpha2beta gamma delta. The five subunits form an ion channel at their center whose opening and closing is controlled by the binding of acetylcholine. The nicotinic AChR in muscle is the best-studied of a large family of neurotransmitter receptors that include the receptor for GABA glycine and the neural AChR. Glutamate receptors are formed according to a similar pattern, but are more distantly related. Our laboratory studies the structure, function, and assembly of the nicotinic AChR in muscle. We investigate both the properties of the receptors in muscle cells and in heterologous cells in which the AChR is expressed after transfection of receptor subunit cDNA. Because of the similarity of members of the family, findings that relate to the AChR serve as a model for other receptors, which are targets for drugs that are relevant to the treatment of mental illness.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01MH002725-01
Application #
5203861
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
U.S. National Institute of Mental Health
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code